Environmental Ethics and the Principles of Pluralism and Environmental Pragmatism
by
Chum Hamilton
Environmental Ethics
ENV362
Professor Dave Williams
August 16, 2008
CONTENTS
Pluralism and Environmental Pragmatism 3
My Response 6
References 9
Pluralism and Environmental Pragmatism
With the widely differing theoretical environmental ethic philosophical frameworks that are currently espoused, it is clear that a single unified theory has not yet emanated from this discipline. This has frustrated “monists” within the discipline. Monists contend that there must be a single environmental ethic framework that is the only true framework. Underpinning this standpoint is the idea that environmental ethics would be devoid of any objectivity if there is not a single “true” theoretical framework: “One strong motivation behind moral monism is the fear of the alternative. Without a single unified and coherent theory, we seem relegated to ethical relativism” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 262).
In contrast to the monists, “pluralists” are those who “accept the possibility that more than one basic approach can be legitimate” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 262) and they subscribe to “a plurality of moral truths,” as opposed to the relativist, who contends that lack of a single truth means that there can be no moral truth.
Desjardins notes that “perhaps it is a mistake to apply scientific and mathematical standards to ethics. Perhaps we are asking too much when we seek clear, unambiguous and certain decisions on ethical matters. Perhaps we can be rational about ethical matters without having unequivocal, definitive answers” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 263).
Environmental pragmatism acknowledges moral pluralism, and focuses less on what is true, per se, and more on what it is that we should do about issues. It is a very “contextual” approach in that each issue presents its own complexities that need to be reviewed in order to begin to make a decision. Pragmatists “understand that practical reasoning may not always offer unambiguous advice”
Chum Hamilton
Environmental Ethics
ENV362
Professor Dave Williams
August 16, 2008
CONTENTS
Pluralism and Environmental Pragmatism 3
My Response 6
References 9
Pluralism and Environmental Pragmatism
With the widely differing theoretical environmental ethic philosophical frameworks that are currently espoused, it is clear that a single unified theory has not yet emanated from this discipline. This has frustrated “monists” within the discipline. Monists contend that there must be a single environmental ethic framework that is the only true framework. Underpinning this standpoint is the idea that environmental ethics would be devoid of any objectivity if there is not a single “true” theoretical framework: “One strong motivation behind moral monism is the fear of the alternative. Without a single unified and coherent theory, we seem relegated to ethical relativism” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 262).
In contrast to the monists, “pluralists” are those who “accept the possibility that more than one basic approach can be legitimate” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 262) and they subscribe to “a plurality of moral truths,” as opposed to the relativist, who contends that lack of a single truth means that there can be no moral truth.
Desjardins notes that “perhaps it is a mistake to apply scientific and mathematical standards to ethics. Perhaps we are asking too much when we seek clear, unambiguous and certain decisions on ethical matters. Perhaps we can be rational about ethical matters without having unequivocal, definitive answers” (Desjardins, 2006, p. 263).
Environmental pragmatism acknowledges moral pluralism, and focuses less on what is true, per se, and more on what it is that we should do about issues. It is a very “contextual” approach in that each issue presents its own complexities that need to be reviewed in order to begin to make a decision. Pragmatists “understand that practical reasoning may not always offer unambiguous advice”
References: Desjardins, J. (2006). Environmental Ethics: An Introduction to Environmental Philosophy (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Parker, K. (1996). Pragmatism and environmental thought. In A. Light & E. Katz (Eds.), Environmental Pragmatism (pp. 21-37). New York: Routledge. Stephens, P. (2007). Sustainability, democracy, and pragmatism in Bryan Norton 's philosophy of ecosystem management. Organization and Environment, 20, 386-392.